The 2026-2027 school year at Mountain Brook has brought some new changes, but not necessarily a new face. 

After serving as one of the school’s assistant principals, Mr. Porter stepped into a new role this year as principal following Mrs. Busby’s retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. While his title may have changed, his enthusiasm for Mountain Brook High School, and the people who make up the community, has remained the same. 

Education was not always the path Mr. Porter planned to take. Early in college he dreamed of becoming a pediatric cardiologist. After spending a month shadowing doctors in a hospital, he quickly realized medicine was not for him. It was a conversation with his roommate that helped point him in a new direction. His roommate explained that he wanted to become a teacher because he hoped to have the same impact on students that his own teachers had on him. The idea stuck. 

As he reflected on the teachers who had influenced his own life, Mr. Porter began to realize that education was the path he wanted to pursue. That desire to make an impact is still evident in his work at MBHS. Although Mr. Porter already had a head start in getting to know the community as an assistant principal, his new position hasn’t stopped him from spreading positivity throughout the halls. What Mr. Porter values most about MBHS is the strong sense of community and the relationships he has built along the way. 

“I feel like the community has always been looking out for me, and that’s something that is extremely important to me,” Porter said. He appreciates seeing students, teachers, staff and families genuinely wanting one another to succeed. For Mr. Porter, that sense of support is one of the things that makes Mountain Brook special. 

Porter’s career has always been driven by goals. He began his career as the youngest head coach in Alabama at Birmingham Southern cross country program, and for much of his professional life, he focused on the question, “What job, title, role do I want next?” 

Recently, though, that mindset has shifted. 

When asked what goals he is currently working toward, Porter offered a surprisingly simple answer. 

“I’m in a unique moment right now that this is what I want and this is where I want to be.” Porter said. His answer reflects the pride he had developed for MBHS and the people who call it home. 

For Mr. Porter, being principal isn’t simply the next step in his career, it’s a place where he genuinely wants to be. His love for Mountain Brook extends beyond simply being grateful to be here. He shows it in the everyday moments: a quick “hi” in the hallways, a conversation in the commons or simply being present for students and staff. Although Mr. Porter may have a new position this year, one thing hasn’t changed:his enthusiasm for Mountain Brook. 

“I want it to be with these people. I want it to be with these students, I want it to be with this community.” 

Staff Writer: Mary Ellen Badham